There is something special when a youngster learns that he or she can catch fish through one little hole on one big frozen lake. These are fun times to enjoy winter ice fishing action for everyone. Photo courtesy of Steve Hawkins

When driving along Interstate 90 and exiting to Route 394 east, finally arriving at Mayville on a giant hill overlooking the north end of Chautauqua Lake, unfamiliar visitors might say, “Wow, look at all those campers on the ice!”

They would soon find out that all the tents out there are people ice fishing for perch, walleye, crappies and panfish of all sorts, just for the winter fun of it. About 100 colorful tent structures were out there last weekend, including ice machines and plenty of others without a tent or windbreaker.

Who might have ever thought we might consider overcrowding on Chautauqua Lake ice? How cool is that? Is this northern Minnesota!? When the ice thickness is 10 inches or more in many parts of the lake, the ice is typically more than strong enough to be safe for hundreds of anglers, each fishing in one spot through a hole that is four to 10 inches in diameter. But when people gather anywhere, especially fishermen of both sexes – not to be unfair, you might hear this, “Hey man! That’s my spot, you’re too close to me.” And sometimes, colorful adjectives, chortles, and laughs might be caught floating through the silence of chilly lake air. Remember, there are kids present.

The key to preventing issues on the ice and anywhere is simple: respect. Give other anglers ample space, avoid setting up directly next to someone already fishing, and move to a new spot if a good spot is already occupied. Don’t disrupt someone’s fishing experience by crowding them. There’s plenty of ice along the same weedline. If you are fishing close to somebody, ask first, and be polite. If you have caught your limit or are not actively fishing in a “hotspot,” you could invite others to drop a line in your spot while you have lunch. Fishing on ice is so much more fun when tall tales are shared by making new friends. It’s all about respect and responsibility, and laughter too.

Ice fishing creates a unique community, where glove-clad anglers share stories of their frosty noses and chilly toes. It’s a time of year when camaraderie on the frozen tundra is all about braving the cold and catching a few panfish when they bite. A warm cup of soup, its aroma wafting downwind from a portable Coleman stove, often becomes a chance to meet friendly visitors and share fish-catching secrets, talk about new electric augers, discuss the effectiveness of tiny new jig colors, and share the latest plastic baits that work. It’s a culture of shared experiences and mutual respect.

Park smart and safe, be courteous and kind, talk with people, share stories, and enjoy every moment. If you meet a grump. Move on. Some folks get mad when the fish are not biting, but the fish, not the grumps, have been biting in Mayville. Little tungsten jigs tipped in a variety of colors with a grub or minnow part have been the key to putting lots of fish on the ice. The small Rapala-style jigging swim baits have been effective for crappies when tipped with a half-minnow. The action at Mayville is in 5 to 13 feet of water depth for most anglers. Off the Bell tower, anglers have been doing well in 28 to 30 feet on the hole edges. The fish are where you find them each day, so move around if you’re not catching ’em.

If you’re new to ice fishing, the night before is your time to prepare. For more information on the topic, dive into the series of ice fishing videos on the NYSDEC’s YouTube channel. Ice fishing is a sport for everyone, and the joy of learning what to wear to survive out there, how to cut into the ice, which lures and baits to use, tactics to employ, and where to get started is part of the adventure. Visit: Learn How To Ice Fish – NYSDEC.

Gotta love the outdoors!

Outdoor Calendar:

Jan. 29: Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen, monthly meeting, 7PM, Lakewood Rod & Gun, 433 E. Terrace Ave., Lakewood, NY; 716-763-3955

Feb. 1: Kinzua Dam 16th annual eagle watch, 8AM-2PM, visitors center, Warren County, Pa.; free entry all ages.

Feb. 1-2: NY Musky EXPO, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, 10 Dunham Ave., Celeron, NY. Over 70 booths, live lure demo’s, lure swap night, more. Kids 12 and under are free. Info: 716-489-2800

Feb. 2: Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, annual election Sunday, members only, 1 N. Mullet St., Dunkirk, NY. 716-366-8836.

Feb. 2: Bear Lake Rod and Gun, monthly meeting, 4PM, 4391 Cassadaga-Stockton Rd., Stockton, NY. Info: call Rudy Abersold, 716-397-9717.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.